<strong>A final farewell: </strong>Following a year of mourning since the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a Royal Cremation Ceremony for the revered monarch will be held October 25-29 in Bangkok's historic Sanam Luang area.
A final farewell: Following a year of mourning since the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a Royal Cremation Ceremony for the revered monarch will be held October 25-29 in Bangkok's historic Sanam Luang area.
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<strong>'Father of the nation': </strong>The late king, often called the "father of the nation," was beloved and respected among his subjects. Many Thai citizens went to pay respects during a cremation dress rehearsal on October 21.
'Father of the nation': The late king, often called the "father of the nation," was beloved and respected among his subjects. Many Thai citizens went to pay respects during a cremation dress rehearsal on October 21.
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<strong>World's longest reigning monarch: </strong>Passing away at the age of 88, the king reigned over Thailand for seven decades.
World's longest reigning monarch: Passing away at the age of 88, the king reigned over Thailand for seven decades.
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<strong>A colorful ceremony:</strong> The Royal Cremation Ceremony will be filled with ancient rites, colorful performances and grand street processions.
A colorful ceremony: The Royal Cremation Ceremony will be filled with ancient rites, colorful performances and grand street processions.
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<strong>Golden crematorium:</strong> A large, three-tiered 50-meter-high golden Royal Crematorium featuring the work of dozens of skilled artists has been built.
Golden crematorium: A large, three-tiered 50-meter-high golden Royal Crematorium featuring the work of dozens of skilled artists has been built.
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<strong>Travel guidelines: </strong>Most businesses, including museums and restaurants, are expected to close on October 26, when the actual cremation will take place. The day has been declared a public holiday.
Travel guidelines: Most businesses, including museums and restaurants, are expected to close on October 26, when the actual cremation will take place. The day has been declared a public holiday.
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<strong>'Be understanding and patient': </strong>Visitors are more than welcome during this historic period, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "During this time, we ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience any inconveniences," says the organization in a statement.
'Be understanding and patient': Visitors are more than welcome during this historic period, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "During this time, we ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience any inconveniences," says the organization in a statement.
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<strong>What to wear: </strong>The majority of Thai people are wearing black clothing this week. Tourists are asked to dress respectfully during this period.
What to wear: The majority of Thai people are wearing black clothing this week. Tourists are asked to dress respectfully during this period.
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<strong>Dress code: </strong>Those wanting to attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony are required to wear all black. Tight clothing and sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
Dress code: Those wanting to attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony are required to wear all black. Tight clothing and sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
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<strong>Five-day ceremony: </strong>There will be six royal processions during the five-day ceremony, where attendees will get a glimpse of several royal chariots and palanquins.
Five-day ceremony: There will be six royal processions during the five-day ceremony, where attendees will get a glimpse of several royal chariots and palanquins.
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<strong>Schedule of events:</strong> The actual cremation will take place at 10 p.m. on October 26 and will be followed by merit-making ceremonies from October 27-29.
Schedule of events: The actual cremation will take place at 10 p.m. on October 26 and will be followed by merit-making ceremonies from October 27-29.
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<strong>Royal chariots and palanquins: </strong>This is one of the royal chariots, which will be used during the cremation ceremony. A ceremony was held last month to bless the chariot.
Royal chariots and palanquins: This is one of the royal chariots, which will be used during the cremation ceremony. A ceremony was held last month to bless the chariot.
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<strong>Royal performances: </strong>Royal performances, including Khon masked dances, puppet shows and live music, will start at 6 p.m. on October 26 and continue until 6 a.m. the following day.
Royal performances: Royal performances, including Khon masked dances, puppet shows and live music, will start at 6 p.m. on October 26 and continue until 6 a.m. the following day.
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<strong>Official mourning period: </strong>The Royal Cremation Ceremony will also mark the end of the country's official mourning period.
Official mourning period: The Royal Cremation Ceremony will also mark the end of the country's official mourning period.
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<strong>Related exhibition: </strong>An exhibition will be held at Sanam Luang for 30 days, from November 1-30, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., to showcase the arts of the Royal Crematorium and related structures.
Related exhibition: An exhibition will be held at Sanam Luang for 30 days, from November 1-30, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., to showcase the arts of the Royal Crematorium and related structures.
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<strong>Behind the ceremony: </strong>For those wishing to learn more about the Royal Cremation Ceremony, the government has set up an <a href="http://kingrama9.net/EN" target="_blank" target="_blank">English language version of its website</a> highlighting all the ceremonies, the meanings behind them and a full schedule of events.
Behind the ceremony: For those wishing to learn more about the Royal Cremation Ceremony, the government has set up an English language version of its website highlighting all the ceremonies, the meanings behind them and a full schedule of events.
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